Kings Island is a large theme park located not far from Cincinnati, Ohio. Admission to the park gives unlimited access to most of the park's rides and shows, as well as the Boomerang Bay water park, which is new for 2004, and replaces the previous Water Works water park.

The park is divided into several themed lands, including International Street, Action Zone, Rivertown, Coney Mall, Oktoberfest, and Nickeloleon Universe (formerly Hanna-Barbera Land and Nickelodeon Central.) Some of the older themed areas, such as Rivertown are quite pleasant, but the newer areas like Action Zone are a little bland. However, the two kid's areas have great theming and a wide selection of attractions, and as a result have won the Golden Ticket Awards for Best Kids Area since the year 2000. The park also has two or three impressively themed attractions such as Flight of Fear and Tomb Raider: The Ride.

One thing that impresses me about this park, and most Paramount parks, is the wonderful landscaping. There is an abundance of trees, flowers, plants and shrubs, and although there are no eye-catching features, it blends in nicely with the rides to create a pleasant setting. Perhaps the most visually impressive feature of the park is the signature Eiffel Tower, and the fountains on International Street.

As for rides, PKI has a wide variety to offer. As already mentioned, they have a great selection of kiddie rides, including four family coasters. They also currently have eight adult coasters, including three adult woodies, two of which are record breakers. Unfortunately though, the coasters are not that great! Both Son of Beast and the Beast generally receive mixed reviews, and the steel coasters are pretty average, although improvements to Flight of Fear in 2001 have finally given the park a stand-out steel coaster.

In recent years, PKI seem to have concentrated on becoming more of a family park, and while this may be a little disappointing for coaster enthusiasts, attendance has increased at the park. However, they have recently added a couple of high profile flat rides in Tomb Raider: The Ride and Delirium, which have certainly brought the thrills back to PKI. The park also has some classic flat rides, three water rides, and a multitude of side stalls.

The park is usually very clean and appears well maintained. Food prices, admission, and car parking charges are quite high, but typical for a park of its size. The main drawback of the park is the large crowds that flock to it, especially during peak times. During the beginning of the 2000 season; the crowds and lines were some of the worst I had ever seen in a park, with several lines being over two hours and a half hours long! However, on my visits to the park in 2001 and 2002, the park was not busy, and it was great to see all of the coasters being run at full capacity, although out of season, there are limited operation days where some rides are closed due to staff shortages.

PKI used to be one of my favorite parks, but my last two visits have been a little disappointing due to several annoying things, it's probably knit picking, but the little things do add up. One thing I cannot forgive though, are the trim brakes on their woodies, even if they are going for a family image, they have four kiddie coasters, there's no need to turn the adult ones into them as well.

Overall, PKI is a great park, and is well worth traveling to. I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially if you have a family. It's a great day out, and I think the park has something to offer everyone.